51吃瓜

Haiti faces a deepening political crisis that has left many young citizens disengaged from democratic processes. With no elections since 2021, a generation of Haitians aged 15-24 has never exercised their voting rights or engaged in democratic dialogue. In response, Nou Pap D貌mi, a Citizens' Collective for Social Justice Against Corruption and Impunity, is taking action. Supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and the UN Country Team in Haiti, the organization has launched the Sitwayen Pa D貌mi project to raise awareness about corruption, impunity, and the importance of civic participation.

鈥�Young men women and men are catalysts of change in any country. They are the change they want to see. Therefore, the UN in Haiti welcomes initiatives which provide a space for Haiti鈥檚 youth to express their commitment to fighting against corruption, and to be the vectors of peace and stability.鈥� Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident / Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.

As part of this initiative, Nou Pap D貌mi hosted the launch of the National Debate Against Corruption and Impunity on 30 January 2025, at the Montana Hotel in Port au Prince. This event brought together civil society organizations, institutional actors, and experts to engage young people in governance, transparency, and accountability discussions. The debate aims to raise awareness of corruption鈥檚 impact, encourage civic participation, and foster intergenerational dialogues between youth, community leaders, and policymakers.

鈥�This is where I was going to make a commitment, as a citizen, as the project says, to getting involved and participating in this initiative. For me, this is a project that should be set up in all ten departments of the country,鈥� says Jessica Charles, a Young Facilitator at Nou Pap D貌mi.

The Sitwayen Pa D貌mi project employs innovative educational and awareness-raising activities to increase youth engagement. These include workshops on corruption and democracy, artistic sessions using music and dance for civic education, public awareness campaigns, and school-based electoral simulations to familiarize students with voting processes.

鈥�This debate needs to take place with young people, in the places where they often gather, such as schools, churches, clubs, and cultural spaces,鈥� explains Jessica. By equipping youth with knowledge and tools, the project seeks to reengage them in shaping Haiti鈥檚 democratic future.

鈥�At Nou Pap D貌mi, our mission is clear: to forge and cultivate a generation of principled, upright citizens who not only reject corruption but actively work to dismantle it, paving the way for a just and equitable society. We believe that the fight for integrity must begin in the classroom, where young minds are not only taught to debate ideas but also empowered to challenge injustice and demand accountability. Change starts with education, and we are committed to ensuring that the next generation is ready to lead the way forward." James Beltis, Project Director at Nou Pap D貌mi

Through its dynamic approach, Nou Pap D貌mi is instilling civic responsibility in Haiti鈥檚 youth, empowering them to be agents of change. With initiatives like the National Debate Against Corruption and Impunity, the movement continues to champion young Haitians鈥� voices in the fight for a just, peaceful and democratic society.